Bipolar Syndrome By Michele Soloway-Sexton Bipolar (General) , For Bipolar Disorder Survivors Bipolar Syndrome involves chemical imbalances

in the brain, particularly with neurotransmitter levels, which have a large range of effects on emotions, behavior, and brain circulation. These neurotransmitters are responsible for the mood changes that are characteristic of Bipolar Disorder. The Bipolar Syndrome chemical foundation has to do with two particular neuro-transmitters and their levels. The two main neurotransmitters needed in the brain are called serotonin and norepinephrine. In Bipolar Syndrome, low levels of serotonin and low levels of norepinephrine may cause the person to have a bipolar depressive episode. Researching Bipolar Syndrome, I found very little specific information other than that which I just shared above. The reason is that, in reality, Bipolar Syndrome is just another name for Bipolar Disorder. What I did find is that Bipolar Syndrome is used by people who are using a more naturalistic or alternative approach to the disorder. At www.iop.kel.ac.uk, I did find that The Institute of Psychiatry at the Maudsley, Kings College, London,

conducted what they called a "naturalistic study," in which they used the term "Bipolar Syndrome." In reading the study, however, the only thing I noticed was that they used the term Bipolar Syndrome interchangeably with the term Bipolar Disorder. In every other way, the information was identical to information available on Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Syndrome, as a term, was used as an excuse in a court case in November 2005, in Hillsborough County, Florida, when a twenty-five-year-old middle school teacher was found guilty of sexually molesting one of her fourteenyear-old male students. She claimed that she was in treatment for "mental illness," which she later specified as Bipolar Syndrome. Bipolar Syndrome, as the media reported it then, was described as a condition where a person has "manic depression," or a personality fission. They described the symptoms of Bipolar Syndrome as happy one minute, and then in the next minute sad, angry, lonely, or confused. Bipolar Syndrome, according to my research, is just another name for Bipolar Disorder. In everything I read, the information is identical to that which you can find under a search for Bipolar Disorder. The only difference seems to be that people using the term Bipolar Syndrome lean more towards naturalistic and homeopathic treatments and remedies. In all other ways, the two terms are interchangeable, and not separate disorders. Bipolar disorder: A mood disorder sometimes called manic-depressive illness or manic-depression that

characteristically involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. Sometimes the mood switches from high to low and back again are dramatic and rapid, but more often they are gradual and slow, and intervals of normal mood may occur between the high (manic) and low (depressive) phases of the condition. The symptoms of both the depressive and manic cycles may be severe and often lead to impaired functioning. Both phases of the disease are deleterious. Mania affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that may cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, unwise business or financial decisions may be made when an individual is in a manic phase. Depression can also affect thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that may cause grave problems. For example, it elevates the risk of suicide. About 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the population aged 18 and older, have bipolar disorder. Although bipolar disorder often worsens over time if untreated, most people with bipolar disorder can achieve stabilization of their mood swings and reduction of symptoms with proper treatment. Treatment usually consists of medications known as "mood stabilizers." See also: Manic-depression BIPOLAR SYNDROME SYMPTOMS Oct 27, 2009 | By Richard Nilsen

The comedy/tragedy masks of theatrical arts could be an appropriate symbol for bipolar syndrome. Also called manic depressive illness, the sufferer may experience extremes of highs and lows in cycles or "mixed moods" where some aspects of each mood are displayed. The malady is episodic with manic "up" moods lasting days at a time until a turn comes unaccountably and the person is depressed or "down" in mood for days at a time. The intensity of the moods can lead to dangerous behavior at both ends of the spectrum. When feeling up, a person may engage in risky behavior and feel impervious to any consequences of her actions. When feeling down, the person may feel so lost he could become suicidal. Periods of both manic and depressive moods that alternate must be present for the diagnosis to be applied. MANIC MOOD When in the up phase of bipolar syndrome, a person seems very energetic or even jumpy. She may talk very fast and skip from one topic to another. She may jump into different activities and engage in risky sex or spend money thoughtlessly. She may have trouble sleeping, seem agitated or irritable. DEPRESSIVE MOOD In the down phase of bipolar, the reverse of the happy, energetic person appears. Where anything was possible in the manic phase, nothing is worthwhile and all effort seems pointless when down and depressed. Lethargy, loss of interest in any activity, forgetfulness and difficulty in concentrating on anything replace the extreme activity and

intensity of the manic phase. Guilt, anxiety and hopelessness may lead to thoughts of suicide. MIXED MOOD Perhaps the most dangerous time for the bipolar person comes at the "changing of the guard" when mania changes to depression and back again. If the person has engaged in risky behavior, unguarded sex or a spending spree while manic, she may feel intensified guilt, fear, remorse and hopelessness when down and realizing what terrible things she has done. When extremely down, the bipolar person may not have enough energy to carry out a suicidal plan, but as she drifts back towards mania with increased energy but still feeling hopeless, she may carry out a plan to hurt herself.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/22232bipolar-syndrome-symptoms/#ixzz1tWHxkMoC

We all have our ups and downs, our "off" days and our "on" days, but if you're suffering from bipolar

disorder, these peaks and valleys are more severe. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can hurt your job and school performance, damage your relationships, and disrupt your daily life. And although bipolar disorder is treatable, many people dont recognize the warning signs and get the help they need. Since bipolar disorder tends to worsen without treatment, its important to learn what the symptoms look like. Recognizing the problem is the first step to getting it under control. IN THIS ARTICLE: What is bipolar disorder? Signs and symptoms Treatment Self-Help Bipolar disorder and suicide Causes and triggers Related articles & resources PRINT TEXT SIZE What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) causes serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behaviorfrom the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other. More than just a fleeting good or bad mood, the cycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the

mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function. During a manic episode, a person might impulsively quit a job, charge up huge amounts on credit cards, or feel rested after sleeping two hours. During a depressive episode, the same person might be too tired to get out of bed and full of self-loathing and hopelessness over being unemployed and in debt. The causes of bipolar disorder arent completely understood, but it often runs in families. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder usually occurs in the teenage years or early adulthood. The symptoms can be subtle and confusing, so many people with bipolar disorder are overlooked or misdiagnosedresulting in unnecessary suffering. But with proper treatment and support, you can lead a rich and fulfilling life. Myths and Facts About Bipolar Disorder Myth: People with bipolar disorder cant get better or lead a normal life. Fact: Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying relationships. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging. But with treatment, healthy coping skills, and a solid support system, you can live fully while managing your symptoms.

Myth: People with bipolar disorder swing back and forth between mania and depression. Fact: Some people alternate between extreme episodes of mania and depression, but most are depressed more often than they are manic. Mania may also be so mild that it goes unrecognized. People with bipolar disorder can also go for long stretches without symptoms. Myth: Bipolar disorder only affects mood. Fact: Bipolar disorder also affects your energy level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, sex drive, and self-esteem. Additionally, bipolar disorder has been linked to anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and high blood pressure. Myth: Aside from taking medication, there is nothing you can do to control bipolar disorder. Fact: While medication is the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment, therapy and self-help strategies also play important roles. You can help control your symptoms by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating right, monitoring your moods, keeping stress to a minimum, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.

Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder Source: NIMH Bipolar disorder can look very different in different people. The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime. There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder:mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms. Signs and symptoms of mania In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria are common. People experiencing a manic episode often talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and are hyperactive. They may also feel like theyre allpowerful, invincible, or destined for greatness. But while mania feels good at first, it has a tendency to spiral out of control. People often behave recklessly during a manic episode:

gambling away savings, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, or making foolish business investments, for example. They may also become angry, irritable, and aggressivepicking fights, lashing out when others dont go along with their plans, and blaming anyone who criticizes their behavior. Some people even become delusional or start hearing voices. Hypomania symptoms Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. People in a hypomanic state feel euphoric, energetic, and productive, but they are able to carry on with their day-to-day lives and they never lose touch with reality. To others, it may seem as if people with hypomania are merely in an unusually good mood. However, hypomania can result in bad decisions that harm relationships, careers, and reputations. In addition, hypomania often escalates to fullblown mania or is followed by a major depressive episode. Common signs and symptoms of mania include:

Feeling unusually high and optimistic OR extremely irritable Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about ones abilities or powers Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic Talking so rapidly that others cant keep up

Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next Highly distractible, unable to concentrate Impaired judgment and impulsiveness Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)

Signs and symptoms of bipolar depression In the past, bipolar depression was lumped in with regular depression. But a growing body of research suggests that there are significant differences between the two, especially when it comes to recommended treatments. Most people with bipolar depression are not helped by antidepressants. In fact, there is a risk that antidepressants can make bipolar disorder worse triggering mania or hypomania, causing rapid cycling between mood states, or interfering with other mood stabilizing drugs. Despite many similarities, certain symptoms are more common in bipolar depression than in regular depression. For example, bipolar depression is more likely to involve irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings, and feelings of restlessness. People with bipolar depression also tend to move and speak slowly, sleep a lot, and gain weight. In addition, they are more likely to develop psychotic depressiona condition in which

theyve lost contact with realityand to experience major disability in work and social functioning. Common symptoms of bipolar depression include:

Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty. Irritability Inability to experience pleasure Fatigue or loss of energy Physical and mental sluggishness

Appetite or weight changes Sleep problems Concentration and memory problems Feelings of worthlessness or guilt Thoughts of death or suicide

Signs and symptoms of a mixed episode A mixed episode of bipolar disorder features symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression. Common signs of a mixed episode include depression combined with agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, distractibility, and racing thoughts. This combination of high energy and low mood makes for a particularly high risk of suicide. The different faces of bipolar disorder Bipolar I Disorder (mania or a mixed episode) The classic manic-depressive form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Usuallybut

not alwaysBipolar I Disorder also involves at least one episode of depression. Bipolar II Disorder (hypomania and depression) In Bipolar II disorder, the person doesnt experience full-blown manic episodes. Instead, the illness involves episodes of hypomania and severe depression. Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild depression) Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder. It consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the symptoms are less severe than full-blown mania or depression. Treatment for bipolar disorder If you spot the symptoms of bipolar depression in yourself or someone else, dont wait to get help. Ignoring the problem wont make it go away; in fact, it will almost certainly get worse. Living with untreated bipolar disorder can lead to problems in everything from your career to your relationships to your health. Diagnosing the problem as early as possible and getting into treatment can help prevent these complications. If youre reluctant to seek treatment because you like the way you feel when youre manic, remember that the energy and euphoria come with a price. Mania and hypomania often turn destructive, hurting you and the people around you.

Basics of bipolar disorder treatment Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness, its important to continue treatment even when youre feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes and stay symptom-free. There is more to treatment than medication. Medication alone is usually not enough to fully control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The most effective treatment strategy for bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support. Its best to work with an experienced psychiatrist. Bipolar disorder is a complex condition. Diagnosis can be tricky and treatment is often difficult. For safety reasons, medication should be closely monitored. A psychiatrist who is skilled in bipolar disorder treatment can help you navigate these twists and turns. Self-help for bipolar disorder While dealing with bipolar disorder isnt always easy, it doesnt have to run your life. But in order to successfully manage bipolar disorder, you have to make smart choices. Your lifestyle and daily

habits have a significant impact on your moods. Read on for ways to help yourself: Get educated. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. The more you know, the better youll be at assisting your own recovery. Keep stress in check. Avoid high-stress situations, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Seek support. Its important to have people you can turn to for help and encouragement. Try joining a support group or talking to a trusted friend. Make healthy choices. Healthy sleeping, eating, and exercising habits can help stabilize your moods. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is particularly important. Monitor your moods. Keep track of your symptoms and watch for signs that your moods are swinging out of control so you can stop the problem before it starts. Bipolar disorder and suicide The depressive phase of bipolar disorder is often very severe, and suicide is a major risk factor. In fact, people suffering from bipolar disorder are more likely to attempt suicide than those suffering from regular depression. Furthermore, their suicide attempts tend to be more lethal.

The risk of suicide is even higher in people with bipolar disorder who have frequent depressive episodes, mixed episodes, a history of alcohol or drug abuse, a family history of suicide, or an early onset of the disease. The warning signs of suicide include: Talking about death, Acting recklessly, as self-harm, or suicide if one has a death Feeling hopeless or wish helpless Putting affairs in Feeling worthless or order or saying like a burden to goodbye others Seeking out weapons or pills that could be used to commit suicide Important Its very important to take any thoughts or talk of suicide seriously. If you or someone you care about is suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273TALK . IN A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, CALL 911. Bipolar disorder causes and triggers Bipolar disorder has no single cause. It appears that certain people are genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder. Yet not everyone with an

inherited vulnerability develops the illness, indicating that genes are not the only cause. Some brain imaging studies show physical changes in the brains of people with bipolar disorder. Other research points to neurotransmitter imbalances, abnormal thyroid function, circadian rhythm disturbances, and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. External environmental and psychological factors are also believed to be involved in the development of bipolar disorder. These external factors are called triggers. Triggers can set off new episodes of mania or depression or make existing symptoms worse. However, many bipolar disorder episodes occur without an obvious trigger.

Stress Stressful life events can trigger bipolar disorder in someone with a genetic vulnerability. These events tend to involve drastic or sudden changeseither good or bad such as getting married, going away to college, losing a loved one, getting fired, or moving. Substance Abuse While substance abuse doesnt cause bipolar disorder, it can bring on an episode and worsen the course of the disease. Drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines can trigger mania, while alcohol and tranquilizers can trigger depression.

Medication Certain medications, most notably antidepressant drugs, can trigger mania. Other drugs that can cause mania include over-the-counter cold medicine, appetite suppressants, caffeine, corticosteroids, and thyroid medication. Seasonal Changes Episodes of mania and depression often follow a seasonal pattern. Manic episodes are more common during the summer, and depressive episodes more common during the fall, winter, and spring. Sleep Deprivation Loss of sleepeven as little as skipping a few hours of restcan trigger an episode of mania.